Despite the CRAZINESS 2020 has thrown EVERYONE, when I reflect on 2020 I honestly can’t be anything but thankful. OF COURSE I’m NOT thankful for COVID and other tragedies plaguing our world, but as I’ve mentioned MANY times before…I’m eternally grateful for the growth 2020 has brought both me AND Ditch the Clique.

Narrowing down that thankfulness is hard though! From financial security to my family and friends remaining relatively healthy throughout the pandemic, I have SO much to be thankful for. However, I think the cherry on top of my gratitude is definitely having access to an empowering and inspiring COMMUNITY! I mean, my community is who keeps me going in times (and YEARS) like 2020!

I’ve been blessed to have an incredible community of women surrounding me most of my life but this year….this COMMUNITY is different….

Among the growth 2020 has thrown my way is the introduction and implementation of Ditch the Clique COMMUNITY. Before launching the COMMUNITY I regularly had women tell me “Rachel, this thing you said” or “this event you hosted was inspiring….but I want MORE“!

So I did what any empowered fempreneur would and I gave MORE! In 2020, I created Ditch the Clique COMMUNITY – a place for women to share their dreams, access empowering resources, be held accountable to their goal-getting plan, and connect with like-minded inspiring women! And to be honest, I couldn’t be more thankful for every single woman who has believed in me and the Ditch the Clique COMMUNITY enough to join!

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So to say thank you to the women who give so much to me, I’ve asked a few of them to share why THEY are thankful for community AND what the Ditch the Clique COMMUNITY means to them! And of course I’ve asked them to share MORE about themselves so YOU are inspired to support them too!

First up, let’s welcome Fashion Designer and Blogger Amanda Slate of NakedSlate!

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I moved away from home as soon as I turned 18. I’m talking coast to coast! I didn’t know anyone in LA but I packed up and moved! And it wasn’t the only time that I decided to start a new life in a new city. It’s taken time to realize it but now I know: it doesn’t matter where you are, it matters WHO you are with. I am so lucky and blessed to have met friends that have become family over the years and I am so thankful to have the opportunity to meet so many amazing women who keep growing my community! 

I met Rachel in NYC (after moving to a city where I knew 1 person) and immediately she was so inspirational and supportive and just had this great energy that I felt I was missing from my life. I saw the amazing group of women at DTC and decided that I needed to have that type of support and community in my life. At the beginning of the pandemic I thought all hope was lost for this until Rachel started her online community and I am just SO GRATEFUL that I get to meet new friends and have a virtual community of amazing, supportive, REAL women! 

Well GIRL, the feelings are mutual! It is my true joy in life to support incredible women like Amanda who are going after (and ACHIEVING) their BIG dreams! Dive deeper into Amanda’s world on Instagram @nakedslate and on her brand new blog www.nakedslate.com

Next we have sustainability blogger, author, and Ditch the Clique COMMUNITY OG Claire Shay.

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Being apart of this community has helped me set REALISTIC goals for actually achieving my dreams, and it has helped me SO MUCH in terms of getting back my limiting beliefs and self-doubts that hold me back. Rachel knows exactly what to say, what to ask, and HOW TO LISTEN to help each woman individually become empowered.

The DTC community is a safe space for me to express myself, feel uplifted, find motivation, and be empowered to go after all of my dreams. Having a community that can be a sounding board for me to work through my thoughts, my fears, and voice my dreams is the type of support system that EVERY WOMAN NEEDS, no matter their circumstance.

Claire is so right – we deserve community and are so thankful to have her as a part of ours! To keep up with Claire as she achieves her dreams like publishing her book Reinventing Sustainability on December 2nd, follow her on Instagram @missclaireshay and on her blog missclaireshay.com!

Now let’s hear from Personal Trainer, Women’s Fitness Specialist, and Life Coach Zoe Novota of EveryBODY fitness!

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I am thankful for the support I have received from the Ditch the Clique COMMUNITY, as well as the inspiration I have gained from other women who are a part of my community.  In a world where it seems like our culture promotes jealousy and hate between women, DTC has been such a breath of fresh air. I truly have never felt so supported and inspired by a group of women in my life. This support and inspiration has helped me tremendously to gain confidence and fresh ideas as I grow my business. 

For me, Ditch the Clique COMMUNITY isn’t just about support for my own goals and dreams (although that is certainly a big part of it), but it’s also about supporting others and being a part of a network of support and empowerment. It’s truly been life-changing to me; it’s been a constant flow of support and empowerment between me, Rachel, and others in the community. There are times when I hear about another woman in the community reaching her goals, and I feel just as elated as if it were my own personal goal! I find that it also inspires and empowers me to keep working towards achieving my big dreams when I get the chance to be a part of the success of others in the community. 

Zoe is right, empowerment truly is a cycle and we’re beyond grateful she is apart of ours! We can’t wait to see where she goes from here and encourage you to keep up/ workout with Zoe when you follow her on Instagram @zoenovota!

And last but certainly not least we have writer and Waves & Faves blogger Jen Flanagan!

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I’m thankful for community because it opens up the world to us in new ways and connects us to inspiring, incredible people all over! We are fortunate to live in the digital age where it’s possible to connect through so many platforms and opens up the doors to maintain relationships with those we care about no matter our geographical location. The importance of community has been even more apparent during the pandemic, and I’m so thankful to have such wonderful connections and people in my life!

The Ditch the Clique COMMUNITY has been a way to connect and empower other like-minded women as we all work on making the world a better place and sharing our unique talents, interests, and skill sets. Each woman involved with DTC has a different life story and perspective to bring to the table, and it is inspiring to see everyone living their dreams and sharing their stories!

Jen, we’re so glad you’re a part of OUR community! You can find Jen on her blog Waves & Faves and on Instagram via @wavesandfaves for weekly inspiration and to learn more about life lessons, her favorite products, and to read profiles about woman-owned businesses!

GIRL, it’s because of these four women and SO many more JUST LIKE YOU that I get to do what I do, and for that I am forever thankful for each one of you. And let’s support these women in the same way! Go ahead and give these ladies a follow to help support their dreams! I guarantee they’ll empower you in return! And if YOU are looking for empowering women and resources to inspire YOU as you go after your dream too, we’d LOVE for you to join Ditch the Clique COMMUNITY! If you ask these ladies, I know they’d agree it’s the best investment you will make in YOU!

Happy Thanksgiving friends!